Most Popular Outdoor Activity: Why Hiking Tops the List

Here’s a wild stat: last year, over 58 million Americans went hiking, making it the most popular outdoor activity in the country. If you thought it was all about sports or picnics, hiking is quietly stealing the show. Why? It’s free, easy to start, and you don’t need fancy gear to get going. Anyone can join in, whether you’re flying solo before sunrise or hauling the kids (like Orla and Kit) out for a sweaty Saturday on the trail.

What keeps hiking at number one is how easily you can fit it around your life. Got an hour after work? Lace up and hit the neighborhood trail. Want to get the kids off screens for half a day? Trails are everywhere, from city parks to wild mountains. Even folks who say they’re “not outdoorsy” somehow end up snapping summit selfies. You don’t have to be a marathon runner—just grab a water bottle, some decent shoes, and a snack.

• Hiking: The Undisputed Champion
• What Makes Hiking So Popular?
• Getting Started: Gear and Tips
• Hiking with Kids and Friends
• Unexpected Benefits and Surprising Stats

Hiking: The Undisputed Champion

Hiking is hands-down America’s most popular outdoor activity. The numbers don’t lie. According to the Outdoor Foundation’s 2024 Outdoor Participation Trends Report, 58.7 million people in the U.S. laced up their boots and hit the trails last year. That’s more than double what we saw 20 years ago. Back in 2004, hiking didn’t even crack the top three—now it’s at the front of the pack.

So why hiking? It’s one of the few activities where you don’t need much more than some comfortable sneakers, a bottle of water, and a trail. There’s no age cap or skill level needed to start. Whether you’re pushing a stroller or going solo up a ridge, you set the pace. It invites everyone: city dwellers, families, fitness buffs, and complete newbies.

“Hiking has become the gateway outdoor activity,” says Lise Aangeenbrug, executive director of the Outdoor Industry Association. “It brings people outside in a way that’s accessible, affordable, and endlessly rewarding.”

To get a feel for just how big hiking has gotten compared to other activities, look at these recent stats:

Even in cities, local parks have seen bigger crowds. Some popular national parks now limit entry during peak times just to manage the flow. People are coming from all walks of life to get a dose of nature, unplug, and move their bodies. It’s social, it’s solo, and it’s safe for most ages.

If this surge feels sudden, you’re not imagining it. The pandemic years supercharged interest as more folks realized you don’t need a gym membership or plane ticket to get outside. Since then, that momentum’s stuck, with families and first-timers filling up trails every weekend.

If you’re thinking about getting started, you’re definitely not alone. Hiking has gone from being a hobby for outdoorsy types to a mainstream thing you’ll find on just about everyone’s social feed. There’s a trail for every mood, group size, and fitness level. That’s tough to beat.

What Makes Hiking So Popular?

If you look around, you’ll notice that hiking isn’t just a trend—it’s a staple for people of all ages. One simple reason? Anyone can do it, at nearly any age or fitness level. You don’t need a gym membership or expensive equipment. Sometimes all it takes is a decent pair of shoes and a patch of green space.

Another big reason: hiking is flexible. Whether you want a thirty-minute stroll or a challenging all-day trek, you can find a trail that fits. It’s easy to adapt, and no two hikes are ever the same. Weather, scenery, and even your mood keep each trip interesting.

Getting outside just feels good. Research from the American Hiking Society shows that even a short hike can lower stress, boost your mood, and improve sleep. You also burn calories—an hour on the trail can torch 400-550 calories, depending on intensity. Check out how hiking stacks up against other outdoor favorites:

There’s more: stunning views, wildlife, and tons of fresh air. Families love it because kids can explore and learn, instead of being glued to a screen. Older folks find it helps with joint flexibility and balance. For city folks, it breaks up the routine and gives you a taste of nature without hours of driving.

• It’s low-cost—most trails are free or cheap to access.
• It’s social—easy to go alone or with friends, and you can chat along the way.
• It’s an all-season option—just dress for the weather and you’re good.

No surprise people keep coming back for more. Hiking packs health, freedom, and some adventure into every step. That’s why it’s the top popular outdoor activity around.

Getting Started: Gear and Tips

The cool thing about hiking—besides those fresh air highs—is just how little you need to jump in. Don’t let gear shops or Instagram trick you into thinking you have to shell out big bucks before taking your first steps. The trick is to figure out what you actually need versus what’s just nice to have.

If you’re brand new, stick with basics: good shoes, a bottle for water, and some layers. A sturdy pair of sneakers work on most easy trails—you can upgrade to hiking boots later if you stick with it. Always check the weather and throw in a light jacket just in case; even in summer, mountain trails can get chilly fast.

“You don’t need much to start hiking. The important thing is to be comfortable, safe, and bring more water than you think you’ll need.” – American Hiking Society

Kids coming with you? Snacks (think granola bars or trail mix) are magic for keeping their energy and moods steady. Don’t forget sunscreen and a hat—whether it’s a four-hour trek or a half-hour stroll, the sun can sneak up on you. I learned early, after Kit’s first sunburn, to always toss in a small tube no matter the season.

For longer hikes, here are the easy must-haves:

• Refillable water bottle or hydration pack
• Map (old school paper or saved offline on your phone)
• Comfortable, layered clothes (avoid cotton—stays wet and chilly)
• Basic first-aid kit (bandages, bug spray, pain relief)
• Charged phone (but don’t rely on service everywhere)

And here’s a quick look at what most Americans actually carry with them, according to the Outdoor Industry Association’s 2024 stats:

One last thing: pace yourself. Start with short trails and build up—no need to attack a mountain right out of the gate. Every hike is good practice, and the right gear just makes it safer and more fun.

Hiking with Kids and Friends

Getting outside together is a game changer. When you bring kids or friends along, hiking goes from just a walk in the woods to a full-on adventure. Plus, you don’t need to worry about skill level—trails come in all shapes and sizes. Letting little ones climb a log or toss rocks in a stream keeps them moving and curious, not cranky. And adults? Hiking is one of the few activities where chatting, laughing, and even sharing snacks actually makes things better, not harder.

If you’re hiking with kids, remember—don’t overdo it on distance. A one-mile loop might be all your crew needs for their first outing. Here are a few tips to make the trip easier for everyone:

• Pick trails with fun features, like big rocks, streams, or short climbs.
• Let kids set the pace for the first few hikes. Slow walkers notice more cool stuff anyway.
• Bring snacks, water, and a small first-aid kit—always.
• Don’t stress mud, mess, or silly detours. These often turn into the best stories.
• Make a game out of spotting birds, bugs, or weird mushrooms.

Groups of friends can go a little farther, but still, start simple. You’ll find more laughs and less frustration when everyone can keep up. In fact, a recent report from the Outdoor Industry Association showed that small group hikes (2-5 people) are the #1 way adults get active outside—beating out solo runners or big group sports.

If you want a quick look at the numbers, check out this table below:

If you’re thinking long-term, regular hiking with friends actually builds stronger bonds. Families, too—studies from the University of Vermont reported that kids who hike each month are 30% more likely to say they "feel close" to parents. The best part? You don’t need special gear or fancy plans, just a free Saturday and maybe a willingness to bribe kids with snacks. That’s the real power of hiking as the popular outdoor activity everyone can get behind.

Unexpected Benefits and Surprising Stats

People mostly think of hiking as a way to get some fresh air or break a sweat, but there’s more to it. Let’s talk perks. For starters, research from Stanford University found just one hour in nature (like a hike) chops down stress and even brain fog—people reported feeling 50% less anxious. Turns out, hitting the trail is like pressing a mental reset button.

Hiking’s not just good for your mood, though. It actually helps your body in ways that might surprise you. Johns Hopkins University reports regular hiking lowers the risk of heart disease, keeps blood sugar steady, and fires up your immune system. Even short walks count—no need to go full mountain goat.

• Burns around 400-550 calories per hour, depending on terrain and speed.
• Boosts attention span and creativity by up to 60%. That’s not just for writers—kids do better in school after outdoor time too.
• Improves sleep quality after just a few sessions.
• An American Hiking Society survey found 80% of hikers said they felt happier and less lonely compared to those staying indoors.

When it comes to participation, the stats jump off the chart. More people went hiking in 2024 than ever before, beating out cycling, running, or team sports. Check out these numbers:

The benefits don’t stop at adults. Kids who hike with their families build confidence, get better at problem-solving, and—maybe the big one—fight boredom without needing screens.

Long story short, if you’re looking for the popular outdoor activity that’s fun and actually good for you, it’s hard to beat hiking. You’ll get time away from traffic, stress, and tech—and the stats back it up.